So far, I've been using rental boots, boards, and bindings (which snapped on me last time out) to see how I liked the sport (which I have fallen in love with, and yes, I've taken 3 lessons thus far, in addition to having plenty of time for my own practice runs). So, with now being a good time for deals, I couldn't resist (since I know I want to keep doing this)

2008 Vans Mantras, size 13, for 130 bucks. I know they're on the low-end of the scale, but they fit me very well, and selection in my size is sparse.

2008 Rome Targas, L/XL, for 150 bucks. Everything I've heard about these tells me they're fantastic bindings. So when I saw them available at this price, I heard a voice in my head say "DO IT!"

Aaand my very first board.

2008 Endeavor Live 158W for 320 bucks. I wanted an all-mountain board, and this seems to fit the bill, not too mention all the reviews I've read (albeit there are few) are pretty glowing in their description of its abilities. That it also looks (to me) pretty effing cool is just a nice bonus. I can't wait for my first run with my own gear, and looking forward to improving my skills going down the runs, and maybe getting a chance to try it at the park, when I'm ready for it.

Grand total? 600 bucks. I think that's pretty good for new, current year equipment, eh? Opinions, comments, criticisms are all welcome.

Well if the boots fit your right and your heel doesn't lift off the insole when you lean forward while strapped in/no strapped in you did great. If the cheapest pair of boots on the planet fit your feet well then that's an excellent thing . Very good deal on a high quality pair of bindings. I bought a cheap-ass pair for my first and broke them in about 3 trips. I got some Rides and never looked back. There is no reason to avoid a high end binding especially at that deal. The board I am completely unfamiliar with but hey, if you are new you will grow into it and get to know it. I'd say you did well. Now go ride that shit! And you will be very happy to have one setup to get used to instead of a bunch of different 1/2 worn-trashed rental equipment that is probably improperly sized and not what you want anyway.

Well if the boots fit your right and your heel doesn't lift off the insole when you lean forward while strapped in/no strapped in you did great. If the cheapest pair of boots on the planet fit your feet well then that's an excellent thing .

Well, that's good, then, because these do fit me just as you described.... the heel doesn't lift off the insole. 130 bucks down from around 180, I believe, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Right

Very good deal on a high quality pair of bindings. I bought a cheap-ass pair for my first and broke them in about 3 trips. I got some Rides and never looked back. There is no reason to avoid a high end binding especially at that deal. The board I am completely unfamiliar with but hey, if you are new you will grow into it and get to know it. I'd say you did well. Now go ride that shit! And you will be very happy to have one setup to get used to instead of a bunch of different 1/2 worn-trashed rental equipment that is probably improperly sized and not what you want anyway.

Thank you, sir! I feel like I did pretty well myself, but it's always good to hear from others on the subject, too. I know the Rome Targas are supposed to be awesome, so I can't wait to use them. Not to mention my new board!

Speaking of which, I went to Cypress today for a full day of boarding with rental equipment (I just ordered my board online yesterday, so that's not a go yet, plus I had already paid for rentals at Cypress as part of a package deal), and I think I made the right choice not buying the Ride Yukon, I'm not ready for that kind of edge just yet (see my new thread under snowboarding chat for the details of today).